Food

I am posting this today instead of my regular Tofu Tuesday post. It somewhat relates, but I need to share this now. Check back next week for another yummy recipe!

Twice this week I watched Food Inc. Yes, I said twice. Although the second time I didn't watch the last 20 - 30 minutes or so. My playgroup had a Mom's Time In here at my house to watch the movie and my husband was here, but had to do bedtime duty once the girls got here. Of course this is the night that since there was fun going on downstairs the kids did not want to sleep. This resulted in him missing the first hour or so of the movie. He was alright with that. But I wasn't. I insisted that he watched and he was happy that I did.

I hope you have at least heard of this movie. If you haven't here's the trailer...



It's good stuff in an uncomfortable kind of way. I believe that EVERY SINGLE PERSON should see this movie. We should no longer allow ourselves to go around blind to what is actually going on in the whole food industry because once we know we aren't going to stand for it. The amazing part of this movie is that it leaves you wanting to DO something about it. And you CAN! As they say in the movie, you get a vote each time you put food in your mouth. If we demand better we will get better. How truly empowering is that?!

Before I had a chance to see the movie, a friend posted on Facebook that Michael Pollan, author of Food Rules and The Omnivore's Dilemma, amongst others, was to be on Oprah (follow the link to the pages about that episode). I TiVo'ed the show and watched it that evening. Great show. From the show the one part that struck me and has stayed with me was this part...

Although "real" food is often more expensive, Michael says you either pay for real food now—or pay the doctor later. In 1960, Michael says 18 percent of our national income was spent on food, and only 5 percent on healthcare. Today, he says 9 percent of our income is spent on food and a whopping 17 percent on healthcare. "The less we spend on food, the more we spend on healthcare," he says.

I don't know about you, but I think I'd prefer to spend more on my food than pay the whole healthcare system even more. And this also reminds me of an often complained about thing in our family. The cost of our meals. When we are out I hate fast food. I was not much a fan before I became vegetarian, and now that I am they are that much worse. I prefer to go to Panera and Chipotle. Chipotle is pretty easy on the wallet, but Panera is rather pricey. I costs us about $31 for our family of 4 to eat there. When we go to Sonic and it costs us easily under $20. Honestly, I do think that Sonic is one of the most veggie friendly fast food restaurants as they have the grilled cheese sandwiches. But if you look at the quality of food, well I'd rather have Panera. It's a Tomato & Mozzarella Panini or a pick two with some awesome Mac & Cheese, and an apple or chips versus a grilled cheese on thick (yummy) white bread and a medium tater tot. But which of my meals is healthier? The one that costs a bit more.

Then today I went to visit my friend Tara's Blog, Baby Momma Blog, and read her post. She wrote this on Facebook, and I just had to see what she was posting this time. "Are you setting your child up to live a shorter life? Yep, most of us are!" You know you'd click too! So what's this about?

Chef Jamie Oliver won this year's TED prize. What is a TED prize you ask? Well click over here to find out more, but basically it gives one person a bunch of money and resources to make their “One Wish to Change the World.” What was his wish?

Jamie Oliver’s Wish
“I wish for your help to create a strong, sustainable movement to educate every child about food, inspire families to cook again and empower people everywhere to fight obesity.”

You need to take 20 minutes and watch his speech. It was awesome. He speaks wonderfully and is very upbeat. Definitely a great way to spend those minutes. If you don't have time now, bookmark it and visit when you do. After you are done watching, take a moment and sign the petition for a food revolution!!



For a LOT of awesome recipes from Chef Jamie Oliver check out his recipe page. WOW!

I think one of the biggest things I got from watching his speech was that school lunches currently are no better than fast food. I had thought that K-Girl should be eating a "warm healthy meal" at school. Recently we started packing her to help with anxiety issues, but I think I'll continue to pack now for other reasons. At least packing I know exactly what she is eating. I have control and I know that it's up to me to know that I'm giving her a healthy lunch. I get it. I got it a bit after Food Inc, but this just drove it home.

Please though, take a few moments and watch the Jamie Oliver clip and get out and pick up a copy of Food Inc and watch it. If you're local and you'd like to borrow my copy just let me know. I bought it after the Oprah show had a special with Amazon that you could get it for just $9.99. I couldn't resist knowing that I can pass it around after I watched. Stop being blissfully ignorant and get informed!!